Robert Preston Morris, the 64-year-old founder of Texas megachurch Gateway Church, has been released from custody in Oklahoma. His release occurred just after midnight on Tuesday, confirmed Osage County Sheriff’s Capt. Matt Clark.

Plea Agreement and Sentencing Details

Morris was serving time following a guilty plea entered last year to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. This plea was part of an agreement that resulted in a 10-year suspended sentence.

Serving Time in Oklahoma Jail

The terms of the agreement mandated that Morris serve the initial six months in the Osage County Jail. The sexual abuse offenses occurred in 1982 when Morris was a traveling evangelist staying with the victim's family in Hominy, Oklahoma. The victim was 12 years old at the time.

Background of the Case and Resignation

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office handled the prosecution of the case. Morris was indicted by an Oklahoma grand jury last year following the allegations brought forward by the victim.

Morris was the senior pastor at Gateway Church, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Southlake. He led the large congregation until June 2024, when he resigned after facing the victim's allegations.

Post-Release Requirements

Upon his release, Morris is subject to several ongoing requirements. He must register as a sex offender and will be monitored by Texas authorities through an interstate compact agreement.

Furthermore, the court ordered Morris to cover the costs associated with his incarceration, including any necessary medical expenses. He is also required to pay restitution to the victim.

Victim and Defendant Statements

The victim, identified as Cindy Clemishire, who is now in her 50s, previously stated upon sentencing that “justice has finally been served.” She added that the man who manipulated, groomed, and abused her as a 12-year-old girl would finally be behind bars.

The Associated Press adheres to a policy of not naming sexual assault victims unless they publicly identify themselves, as Clemishire has done.

In a statement released Tuesday via one of his attorneys, Bill Mateja, Morris offered an apology to Clemishire and her family. He praised them for their courage in coming forward with their story.

Morris stated, “What I did to Cindy decades ago was wrong. There is no other word for it, and there is no excuse for it. I am deeply sorry.” He also mentioned carrying the weight of his actions for a long time and expressed gratitude for the Clemishires bringing the matter to light.

Morris's Public Profile

Morris founded Gateway Church in 2000. He maintained a politically active profile, previously serving on President Donald Trump’s evangelical advisory board.

Gateway Church hosted President Trump on its Dallas campus in 2020 for a discussion focusing on race relations and the economy.